Samsung’s new Frame Pro TV merges art with tech, but will its innovations pay off or fall flat?
Samsung’s latest innovation, The Frame Pro, has shaken the world of home entertainment. Unveiled at CES 2025, it promises to redefine how we see televisions—combining cutting-edge tech with the elegance of art. But will this leap forward leave us awestruck or questioning whether the cost is worth the reward?
The Frame has been a game-changer for Samsung, offering a stunning way to blend a TV into the home without its typical black-box appearance. Since its debut, people have embraced the concept of a television that doubles as artwork. With The Frame Pro, Samsung goes one step further, attempting to marry the style of its predecessor with more advanced features for the discerning viewer.
Mini LED – A New Era or a False Promise?
One of the most talked-about features of The Frame Pro is its switch to Mini LED. Traditionally, Mini LED technology provides unparalleled contrast, brightness, and deep blacks through local dimming. But Samsung has decided to take a different approach with this model.
Embed from Getty ImagesInstead of placing the Mini LEDs behind the screen, they sit at the bottom, providing some level of local dimming but not quite matching the precision offered by traditional setups. Some experts are calling this a compromise, claiming the technology may not offer the visual punch that other premium Mini LED TVs deliver. The real question is: will this move to edge-lit Mini LEDs pay off or disappoint those seeking stellar image quality?
Despite the questionable backlighting, The Frame Pro aims to shine with its improved brightness and contrast. If Samsung can pull it off, the television could be a true breakthrough. But the industry will be watching closely to see if the difference is noticeable to the everyday viewer.
Gamers Rejoice – A Smoother Ride
For those who crave smoother action, The Frame Pro ups its refresh rate from 120Hz to an impressive 144Hz. This new feature should make gaming on this television a far more enjoyable experience, with faster frame rates and more fluid visuals. Yet, despite this upgrade, the absence of Dolby Vision is a glaring flaw.
While gamers will certainly appreciate the performance boost, cinephiles and home theatre enthusiasts may feel shortchanged without Dolby Vision support.
Wireless Design: The End of Cable Clutter?
One of the most striking changes in The Frame Pro is the introduction of Wireless One Connect Box. Gone is the need for a cumbersome wire running from the TV to the breakout box; the connection is now wireless, working up to 10 metres away, even through obstacles. This dramatic shift in design will be a breath of fresh air for anyone tired of tangled cables cluttering their living room.
The promise of a wireless connection raises the stakes for Samsung’s push to create the ultimate minimalist TV. Yet, questions remain: will the wireless link hold up under real-world conditions, especially in homes with heavy interference or large distances between devices?
AI-Powered Features for the Modern Home
Samsung’s relentless pursuit of AI innovation is evident in The Frame Pro. A dedicated button on the remote activates Click to Search, an intriguing feature that identifies actors, clothing, or locations on-screen. Beyond entertainment, AI-powered optimisations adjust both picture and sound, while Samsung Food identifies dishes onscreen, offering recipes to recreate them.
But the real question is whether these features will enhance the viewing experience or feel like distractions. While they certainly showcase Samsung’s commitment to cutting-edge technology, their practicality remains unproven.
Despite the exciting new features, one major question remains: how much will The Frame Pro cost? Will it fall within a reasonable price range for tech enthusiasts or will Samsung push the envelope too far? Pricing details are yet to be released, and many are hoping that the enhancements won’t come at an eye-watering cost.
The Frame Pro is undoubtedly an ambitious attempt to combine art and technology, but whether it achieves perfection is still up for debate. As Samsung continues to innovate, all eyes will be on the upcoming model to see if it can live up to the hype or fall flat in the face of consumer expectations.